EuroLeague Shareholders Reject NBA Europe Offer but Leave Door Open to Future Talks

European club basketball's biggest power play took a decisive turn on Tuesday, as EuroLeague shareholder clubs rejected the NBA's offer to join its planned NBA Europe project. Representatives of the 13 permanent shareholder clubs met near Lake Como in Cernobbio, Italy, and turned down the proposal, though they left the door open to further discussions. No formal decision was reached on EuroLeague's proposed 10-year strategic plan, which would expand the competition from 20 to 24 teams and convert the 13 shareholder clubs into permanent franchises, with up to eight additional long-term licences also on the table. The clubs agreed to adopt a franchise business model and keep working toward expansion, from 13 licensed clubs to as many as 21. Sources told The Athletic the rejection was expected, with owners objecting to the terms — reportedly requiring EuroLeague to keep its current structure and not expand, according to Gazzetta dello Sport — while still showing a willingness to negotiate. A senior sports executive told Reuters that any collaboration was unlikely before 2028, given the difficulty of organizing a new competition in time for the 2027-28 season. Both the NBA and EuroLeague have said throughout 2026 they would like to work together, but each has also made clear it is prepared to pursue its own plans if no agreement is reached. No deadline has been set, though both sides want greater clarity by the end of the season.